Basic ECG (CMT) Board
Certification Exam Certification Exam - "Wear the Mark of Distinction"

Scope of Practice

​The ECG-BC was developed for any cardiac professional recording, reading, and responding to cardiac anomalies seen in the ECG of cardiac patients; from ECG Instructors to Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Cardiac Nurses, Monitor and ECG Technicians. Three levels of complexity are available: Basic, 12-Lead Intermediate, and Advanced. Basic is intended for technicians and non-acute cardiac nurses, whereas 12-Lead Intermediate is intended for all cardiac nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians.  Two years experience is recommended for those considering certification in electrocardiography.

Eligibility Requirements

For Basic ECG, the applicant must:
  1. Be a RN, LPN, NP, PA, ECG, or CMT, or other professional or paraprofessional.
  2. Have at least 2 years’ experience in a telemetry setting (reading ECG strips daily)
  3. Hold the applicable verifiable state license if professional (RN, LPN, etc.)
  4. Provide a certificate of completion if you are a non-licensed paraprofessional (ECG Tech or CMT, etc.)
  5. Have the physical ability to perform the duties of recording, and reading ECGs of cardiac patients; mobility, sight, and hearing is critical to the job role.
  6. Read the ABCM Certification Handbook found under Home in the Menu panel above and sign off that you have read and agree to its terms and stipulations especially with regard to the Exam Confidentiality Statement (ECS), and the Exam Candidate Agreement (ECA) legally binding you to the terms and conditions therein, including adhering to the code of conduct expected and sworn to by healthcare professionals.
  7. Define their work experience on the application form (does not need to be current or sequential).

This Exam is open only to Cardiac Monitor and ECG Technicians, Cardiac Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and medical students; all others may appeal by filing a complaint form that can be found under the Home Menu panel above. 

Skill and Knowledge are the Key Requirements. 

While CEs are not required to sit for the exam 15 CEs in Electrocardiography will be required for the Recertification process every three years. 

Certification Handbook

​Exam candidates will be required to read and agree to all the stipulations set forth in the Certification Handbook before being eligible for an Exam.  After the handbook is read, candidates may apply for an Exam. 

To download the Certification Handbook, point to "Home" in the Menu Panel above with your mouse and a drop-down menu will appear that contains the Certification Handbook link for downloading.

Exam Application - Apply Here

​​Application fee includes a non-refundable administrative fee of $25. Pay the application fee in the dropdown menu under Exams below and fill out your application.  After your application is approved you will then be instructed to log back in and pay the fee for the exam of your choice.

Applications will not be processed without the initial application processing fee being paid. 

Note:  Each candidate must pay for their own Exam with a credit or debit card in their own name, or by check or money order.  We no longer accept third party payments.

Pay for Exam Here

After receipt of both the application and payment, ABCM will send an email with instructions on how to set up the Exam. 
This process will take up to 5 business days.

After the application validation process is complete an email will be sent with instructions on how to access the Exam Scheduler for online testing, or where to take the Exam in person at a live site. 
 Pay to Retake an Exam
If you do not pass the exam you may take it a second time for $75; if you do not pass after the second time, you will be required to wait 30 days before trying the exam again at the full price.

How Many Questions are on the Basic  ECG (CMT) Exam?

There are 37 questions in the online Basic ECG (CMT) Board Certification Exam.  ​

​Time Allotted for the Exam?

90 minutes; the average time spent by examinees is 1 hour.

Passing Scores

​​A score of 70% is required to pass the Exam. 

What is the Cost of the Exam?

​​$179.00 for those taking online, group rates available, please request details.
Contact Information: 

Mail:  ABCM, Inc, P.O. Box 5929 Sun City Center, FL 33571
Assistant Exam Director: CCO: Kayla Bryant [email protected]
​COO:  Bobbi Lucido [email protected] 
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